[NPASYRIA] What is required today to achieve peace in Syria, is international unity, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said on Tuesday. During his speech to the Brussels V Conference "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region", Pedersen said that "ten years ago, Syria was a middle income country whose 60% of its people are at risk of going hungry this year."
"Half of the Syrian population are displaced from their homes, millions are now surviving as refugees or as internally displaced persons," he added.
Pedersen pointed out that military tensions remain high and frequent eruptions of violence continue to occur, where hospitals and civilians are still getting hit.
"Five foreign armies operate in proximity from one another, flames can ignite a new at any time," he noted.
"Progressing towards the nationwide ceasefire that Security Council resolution 2254 has called for remains more urgent than ever."
The effect of sanction measures needs to be mitigated so that Syria’s capacity to access humanitarian assistance and medical support is not hindered, according to Pedersen.
Pedersen concluded that what is required today to be able to respond to the staggering challenges facing Syria and the aspirations of its people to achieve peace is indeed "international unity."